You can make a difference this Christmas!

As we are approaching the charitys biggest season, we are happy to announce we will be running our very own Christmas shoebox appeal. Every shoebox donated can be filled with toys, gifts, hygiene items and personal touches. These will then be sent to our children, some of which remain in internally displaced persons camps, for who these gifts are likely to be the only unnecessary item they have received this year. These children need you this Christmas so they are able to smile again.

Putting together a festive shoebox is a simple, yet wonderful way to show the children that we care. Every child deserves a gift on Christmas no matter their circumstances. This is why we are calling for you to begin collecting items that can be placed in a shoebox or shoe-boxed sized box. If you wish you may also wrap the box in festive paper, to really spread that Christmas spirit all the way to Nigeria. These children are used to such dire circumstances, they often do not celebrate Christmas let alone get given gifts. This is why it is so important we send what we can to give these children a little bit of love and happiness, that will last much longer than just Christmas Day. If our 2021 appeal is successful and we are able to achieve our goal of 200 shoeboxes we will make this an annual addition to our charity programme.

If the above sounds like something you would love to get involved in this year, read below for more guidance on how you can 'nurture the children' this Christmas.

What can I place in my box?

You may create your shoebox with a boy, girl or both. Please just assure that this is clearly labelled (with a black pen or marker) on the side of the box with a giant letter; B forB , G forGirland A forAny. This is so we know who to gift each box to. As this is our first Christmas shoebox appeal, we kindly ask that you choose items that apply to all age groups.

Example of items to put in the box:

1. Activity books 2. Puzzle/Colouring book3.Pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, sharpener orColour pencils4. Pencil cases 5.Toothbrush 6.Bar of soap 7. Underwear 8. One size fits all socks9. Sanitary pad 10. Shaving razor 11.T-shirt/Pyjamas 12. Deodorant stick 13. Shower Sponge 14. Band aid kit 15. Mini pedicure set16. A littleChristmas note (optional).

NOTE: Please do not include any edible items, toothpastes or other liquids. It is preferable that light items are placed inside the boxes so that shipping is possible. These could include scarves, hats, toys or a small book. A list on exact items accepted and those rejected will be posted shortly if this is your first time donating.

The start date for collection is the 1st of December and the closing date 28th of February, 2022. This is so that we can prepare them in time for shipping, so that they arrive in time for the start of school!

£5 donation is required to cover the costs of shipping. We ask kindly that you place this safely inside the shoebox before posting to our drop-off collection point, or if you choose to drop this off in person. Our donation point is located in Ilford.

464B Green Lane, Essex, United Kingdom, IG3 9LG. On arrival, ring the door bell and deliver the boxes. And they will be delivered within the month!